Read Books Online, for Free |
Round the Moon | Jules Verne | |
FROM TWENTY MINUTES PAST TEN TO FORTY-SEVEN MINUTES PAST TEN P. M. |
Page 2 of 4 |
"And you conclude, then, you everlasting talker?" asked Barbicane. "I conclude that we have twenty-six minutes left," replied Ardan. "Twenty-four only," said Nicholl. "Well, twenty-four, if you like, my noble captain," said Ardan; "twenty-four minutes in which to investigate----" "Michel," said Barbicane, "during the passage we shall have plenty of time to investigate the most difficult questions. For the present we must occupy ourselves with our departure." "Are we not ready?" "Doubtless; but there are still some precautions to be taken, to deaden as much as possible the first shock." "Have we not the water-cushions placed between the partition-breaks, whose elasticity will sufficiently protect us?" "I hope so, Michel," replied Barbicane gently, "but I am not sure." "Ah, the joker!" exclaimed Michel Ardan. "He hopes!--He is not sure!-- and he waits for the moment when we are encased to make this deplorable admission! I beg to be allowed to get out!" "And how?" asked Barbicane. "Humph!" said Michel Ardan, "it is not easy; we are in the train, and the guard's whistle will sound before twenty-four minutes are over." "Twenty," said Nicholl. For some moments the three travelers looked at each other. Then they began to examine the objects imprisoned with them. "Everything is in its place," said Barbicane. "We have now to decide how we can best place ourselves to resist the shock. Position cannot be an indifferent matter; and we must, as much as possible, prevent the rush of blood to the head." "Just so," said Nicholl. |
Who's On Your Reading List? Read Classic Books Online for Free at Page by Page Books.TM |
Round the Moon Jules Verne |
Home | More Books | About Us | Copyright 2004